President Donald Trump’s Administration announced the suspension of immigration visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, a move that directly impacts thousands of families seeking permanent residency in the United States. Among the countries affected are Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua and Uruguay, as well as other nations in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Eastern Europe, including Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Somalia.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed the number of countries involved, although the full list was not officially released. Fox News had access to the internal document detailing the countries included. According to this information, the pause in visa processing will begin on January 21 and will continue indefinitely, while federal authorities review the verification and eligibility procedures for applicants.
What types of visas are suspended?
The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.
– Department of State (@StateDept) January 14, 2026
The measure only affects immigration visas, i.e., those that allow a person to live permanently in the United States, such as family reunification or employment-based residency.
Non-immigrant visas will not be affected, which include: Tourist visas, student visas, temporary work visas, cultural exchange visas.
This means that those who were planning to travel to the U.S. for limited periods, study or work on a temporary basis, will be able to continue with their procedures, as long as they meet the usual requirements.
What is the government’s argument?
BREAKING: Trump administration says it will stop issuing immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Brazil, Egypt and Somalia. https://t.co/twRqH4GtoA
– NBC News (@NBCNews) January 14, 2026
According to State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott, the main objective of this suspension is to prevent the entry of persons who may be dependent on welfare or public benefits once in the United States.
The move is part of a broader policy pushed by the Trump Administration to tighten immigration eligibility criteria.
Last November, the government ordered U.S. consulates around the world to implement new guidelines that allow them to deny visas to applicants who, in the judgment of consular officials, are likely to rely on public assistance.
For that evaluation, officers may consider factors such as: Age, health status, financial situation, educational level, English language proficiency, and employment history.
These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, but the new general suspension broadens the scope of these policies.
U.S. suspends visas to 75 countries
U.S. to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries https://t.co/o9bnS4HU8v
– CNN en Español (@CNNEE) January 14, 2026
For many Latinos living in the United States, this measure creates uncertainty, especially for those who are in the process of reuniting their families through permanent residency petitions.
Countries such as Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala and Haiti have large communities in the U.S., and the suspension could indefinitely delay the arrival of parents, children or spouses who had hoped to immigrate legally.
Immigration lawyers have indicated that those who already have applications in process could face lengthy delays, although each case will depend on specific instructions issued by consulates in the coming weeks.
What can those affected do?
Five months before the start of the FIFA World Cup, the State Department will stop processing visas for visitors from 75 countries, including some of the world’s top soccer nations, according to reports.
Read more: https://t.co/57bbyPNDRD
Photo: Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images pic.twitter.com/jO8mDZFp4O– Forbes (@Forbes) January 14, 2026
Specialists recommend:
Keep informed through official sources such as the Department of State and USCIS.
Consult with an immigration attorney before making important decisions.
Avoid intermediaries or “managers” who promise quick solutions.
Suspension does not automatically cancel existing petitions, but it can slow down their progress.
This decision adds to a series of actions that reinforce the Trump Administration’s restrictive approach to immigration.
While the government maintains that it seeks to protect public resources and strengthen controls, civil organizations and immigrant advocates warn about the human and family impact of these measures.
For the U.S. Hispanic community, understanding which visas are affected, since when and why is key to making informed decisions and protecting their rights in an increasingly changing immigration context.
Filed as: US suspends visas to 75 countries
